Disclaimer: I do not own W.I.T.C.H. This is a work of fan fiction.

Season Three Episode Eleven: "Fullmetal Alchemy" Chapter One

Varthan. Prince Garix entered the palace armory and looked about. Given his tremendous strength, he had never needed weapons like the common soldiers, so he hadn't ever entered this room. As a result, finding what he needed might not be easy. Especially since he wasn't even after a full weapon but rather just a small component of one.

Fortunately, the room proved to be well organized. He found his prize, one of the new portable scanners. Looking it over, Garix discovered the device was simple enough to use, and even had it's own power supply rather than needing energy from the weapons it was designed to be attached to. "All the better." he thought. "Mother may well have me killed for what I am planning. But it is a needed risk. One percent of the data required is still missing. I will recover it."

Garix pulled an empty ammunition bandolier over his chest, then clipped the scanner to it. Switched on the device's power. Held aloft a transit crystal and opened a fold to earth. "For the Glory of Varthan!" he shouted, then passed through the fold.

Heatherfield. The Hale residence. Cornelia was in her bedroom, trying to study for a history test the next day. "History is sooo yesterday" she mumbled, then laughed at her lame joke. As she read, her little sister ran into the room. Cornelia looked up from her book and said "I'm busy, so whatever you want make it quick."

"Can I tell you something?" Lillian asked. "It's important and no one else will believe me!"

Cornelia put down the book and sat up. "What is it then? Out with it."

"Yesterday, when we were all watching that tornado on TV… Sometimes when I looked at the screen I didn't see the tornado. I saw… …a monster…"

Alarmed, Cornelia said "Really? What did it look like?" Lillian replied with a perfect description of the creature the Guardians had fought the day before. "Um, wow. That sounds scary Lil. But I'm sure you just imagined it."

Lillian threw her arms up in frustration. "Why won't anyone believe me?" she cried, and ran out of the room. Before Cornelia could follow Napoleon walked in.

"Look doll," the cat said, "I'm on board with hiding the truth from Lillian for now. But I really think you should try harder to not get on her bad side like this."

"I know. But what was I gonna do? If I agree it'll make her ask more questions."

Napoleon replied, "That's for you to figure out doll. But if I was you, I'd be putting some long hard thought into it, and soon." The cat left, going to comfort his upset master. Cornelia flopped back on her bed, thinking about what he had said…

Meanwhile, Alchemy and Miranda were leaving the Lighthouse Shelter after a four hour shift. Elyon was waiting for Alchemy outside. "You ready?" she asked.

"Yeah." Alchemy answered. "I've been waiting for this new V.M.J. movie all week! I can't believe it's finally out. Hey Miranda, you wanna come too?"

"Yeah come with us." Elyon agreed.

"Thanks, but it'll be past my probation curfew by the time it's over. And besides, Cassidy is expecting me for classic film night, and you don't ditch that without incurring her wrath."

Alchemy said, "That's too bad. Alright, see you tomorrow then." They parted ways. As Elyon and Alchemy walked, they decided to take a shortcut through a park to reach the theater faster. Walking through the nearly deserted park center, they were watched by a sinister pair of eyes.

Meridian. Elyon's palace. Susan and Will were discussing further wedding arrangements with Miriabelle. "I think we've got just about everything in place now Susan." Elyon's mother said. "We just need a date."

"A date, and someone to perform the ceremony." Susan corrected. "It's not like we can bring a judge or something from earth here. Who usually performs weddings in Meridian anyway?"

Miriabelle thought for a moment before saying, "Well… technically Elyon could do it as the Queen, but I assume you prefer an adult for this… hmmm. I think Kingdom Regents have the legal authority. I'll have to check the law books to be certain."

"If that will work, I'd be more than happy to go that route."

Earth. As the two friends walked through the park, anticipating the film they were going to see, their plans for the night were changed for them. In a sudden rush, Prince Garix appeared before them from behind a row of shrubbery. He was in his human disguise, but Elyon recognized him from their first encounter at the radio convention. "Garix!" she gasped.

"Hello Guardian." Garix said. "You have something I want. Something my Mother wants, actually. And you're going to give it to me, one way or another."

Elyon said to Alchemy, "Run for it! I'll explain later."

"No way! I'm not leaving you alone. Besides look at this guy he's a wimp. We can handle him together."

Garix laughed. "You think your friend is safe in her ignorance. You mistake my intentions. It's you I'm here for your majesty. You, or your 'parents'. They, after all, know the truth. And of course your little friend won't remain ignorant for long, when I force you to defend yourself."

Alchemy looked at Elyon. "Why did he call you 'your majesty'? What's going on?"

"Alchemy, will you please… RUN! Now!" She sent an S.O.S. telepathically to the other Guardians.

"No, don't run yet." Garix said. "Stay for the show." And with that he began to change into his true form. His body grew larger, and eight spider legs sprouted from him. Alchemy stared in fascination and fright at the transformation.

"Alchemy. One last time… Get Out Of Here! It's not you he wants!"

"Then that means it's you! I'm not abandoning you Elyon!"

Transformation complete, Garix glanced down to make sure the scanner was still online. Saw that it was. Said, "The time for running is gone!" He leapt at Elyon.

As Garix came at her, the Queen realized that, Alchemy here or not, she had no choice. Alchemy's eyes grew large with astonishment as spheres of white light appeared around both of Elyon's clenched fists. "Light of Meridian!" Elyon exclaimed and fired off both blasts at Garix' lower abdomen. The coherent bursts of light struck home, sending the Prince sprawling backwards. Elyon said, "He's not down for long. C'mon Alchemy, we've got to get out of here before he gets back up."

As she turned to look, though, Elyon saw fear in her friend's eyes. Alchemy was slowly backing away. "W… What are you?" she said in a shaky voice. "Stay away from me!" The girl turned and ran…